On this day in 1989, New Jersey lyricist Chill Rob G released his debut album Ride the Rhythm through Wild Pitch Records, a label known for cultivating some of the most respected underground acts in ...

The Hip-Hop world lost a true pioneer when Gene “Groove” Allen passed away in February 2025. As a key member of Groove B. Chill, Allen helped bridge the gap between Hip-Hop’s golden era and mainstream ...

The latest New Music Friday arrives as a powerful testament to hip-hop’s enduring ability to reinvent itself while honoring its roots. This week’s releases showcase an impressive spectrum of artistic ...

It was the best of hip-hop times. It was the worst of hip-hop times. Ha! 2025 was a rollercoaster of rap music’s highs and lows. The duality was so real. I can’t recall a year with such a wide array ...

Hip-hop culture penetrates every aspect of people's lives, from the way they dress and speak to walk and dance. Though mostly associated with music, hip-hop from its inception has always been a ...

Welcome to The State of R&B, ESSENCE’s look at the past, present and future of rhythm and blues. In this piece, ESSENCE editor Rivéa Ruff reports on the blending of hip-hop and R&B. Since the ...